How long does it take to walk the Museumsufer?

The walk itself takes about 30-40 minutes at a steady pace, but you should allow at least 3-4 hours to appreciate the architecture and visit one or two museums.

Is the Museum Embankment walk worth it if I don't go inside the museums?

Yes, the architecture and the views of the Frankfurt skyline from the riverbank are spectacular, and Nizza Park offers a beautiful botanical experience for free.

Where does the Museumsufer walking tour Frankfurt start?

A popular starting point is the Museum of Applied Art near the Eiserner Steg bridge, easily accessible from the city center via the U-Bahn or a short walk from the Römer.

Are the museums in Frankfurt open on Mondays?

Most museums on the embankment are closed on Mondays, so it is best to plan your walk for Tuesday through Sunday.

Can I do this walk with a stroller or wheelchair?

Absolutely. The path along the Main River is flat and well-paved, and the museums are equipped with modern accessibility features like elevators.

What is the best time of day for a Frankfurt walking tour of the river?

Late afternoon is ideal, as you can see the museums in daylight and then watch the sunset over the skyline from the Eiserner Steg bridge.

Is there a pass for the Frankfurt museums?

Yes, the Museumsufer Ticket offers entry to all participating museums for two consecutive days and is a great value if you plan to visit more than two sites.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Discover the cultural heartbeat of Frankfurt along the southern bank of the Main River, an area famously known as the Museumsufer. This neighborhood stroll offers a sophisticated blend of world-class art, striking architecture, and scenic riverside views. On this self-guided walk, you will explore one of Europe's most significant cultural clusters, where historic 19th-century villas stand in harmony with bold, modern structures designed by architectural legends. The route begins at the Museum of Applied Art, a masterpiece of light and geometry designed by Richard Meier, before heading toward the iconic Eiserner Steg bridge. Here, you can admire the 'Mainhattan' skyline, a dramatic contrast to the historic treasures housed within the nearby institutions. As you continue your independent exploration, the route leads you past the German Film Museum, where the magic of cinema comes to life, and through the surprisingly Mediterranean landscape of Nizza Park. The highlight for many travelers is the Städel Museum, which houses masterpieces spanning seven centuries of European art history. The journey concludes at the Liebieghaus, a fairytale-like villa containing an extraordinary collection of sculptures from ancient Egypt to the Neoclassical era. This walking route Frankfurt provides the flexibility to dive deep into specific galleries or simply enjoy the exterior beauty of these landmarks. Unlike a rigid guided tour Frankfurt, this audio walk allows you to linger at the riverbank or pause for a coffee at a museum café whenever the mood strikes. Whether you are an art aficionado or a casual traveler, this neighborhood stroll captures the essence of Frankfurt’s intellectual and aesthetic legacy, making it a must-do experience for anyone visiting Germany's financial capital.

Highlights

Marvel at the light-filled architecture of the Museum of Applied Art

Capture panoramic skyline photos from the historic Eiserner Steg bridge

Discover the Mediterranean microclimate of the lush Nizza Park

See masterpieces by Rembrandt and Monet at the renowned Städel Museum

Explore 5,000 years of sculpture history at the picturesque Liebieghaus

Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the pedestrian-friendly Museumsufer promenade

Tour Stops (6)

Museum Applied Art (Museum Angewandte Kunst)

Start exploring with Zigway at this striking white building designed by American architect Richard Meier. Completed in 1985, the museum is a masterpiece of Modernism, designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding park and the historic Villa Metzler. The architecture itself is an exhibit, using a grid system that plays with light and shadow. Inside, the collection spans over 5,000 years of human creativity, focusing on design, fashion, and decorative arts from both European and Asian cultures. It is the perfect introduction to the Museumsufer’s philosophy of blending the old with the new.

Eiserner Steg (Iron Bridge)

Walk toward the river to reach the Eiserner Steg, Frankfurt's most famous footbridge. Built in 1869 and rebuilt twice—once after WWII and again in 1993—this Neo-Gothic iron structure connects the city center with the Sachsenhausen district. As you walk across, look for the Greek inscription on the portal, a quote from Homer’s Odyssey. The bridge is a favorite spot for photographers, offering the best vantage point of the financial district’s skyscrapers reflecting in the Main. It is also a place of modern tradition, adorned with thousands of 'love locks' placed by couples from around the world.

German Film Museum (DFF)

Continuing along the embankment, you will find the DFF – Deutsches Filminstitut & Filmmuseum. Frankfurt has a long history with the moving image, and this museum celebrates everything from the earliest 'magic lanterns' to modern digital effects. The permanent exhibition is highly interactive, explaining how human perception turns individual images into a continuous story. Even if you don't go inside, the building's facade represents the cinematic theme of the neighborhood. It’s a reminder that the Museumsufer isn’t just about classical art, but about every form of human expression and technology.

Nizza Park

Cross briefly to the north bank or enjoy the view of Nizza Park from the embankment. This narrow strip of greenery is named after the French city of Nice because of its surprisingly mild microclimate. Sheltered by the quay walls and the river, the park stays several degrees warmer than the rest of the city, allowing Mediterranean plants like palm trees, figs, and lemon trees to thrive in the heart of Germany. It has been a popular public promenade since the 19th century and offers a peaceful, fragrant break between the more intensive museum visits on your route.

Städel Museum

The Städel is the crown jewel of the Museum Embankment. Founded in 1815 by banker Johann Friedrich Städel, it is one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious art foundations. The collection is vast, featuring works by Botticelli, Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Picasso. Don't miss the modern wing, an underground extension completed in 2012, which is recognizable from the outside by the circular skylights embedded in the lawn. This 'garden of light' creates a futuristic atmosphere while housing masterpieces of contemporary art. The museum perfectly encapsulates Frankfurt's spirit: deeply rooted in history but always looking toward the future.

Liebieghaus

Your self-guided adventure concludes at the Liebieghaus. This 19th-century villa, which looks like a small castle, houses one of the world’s most important sculpture museums. The collection is arranged chronologically, leading you through ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, into the Middle Ages and up to the Neoclassical period. The intimate setting of the villa makes the sculptures feel accessible and personal. After your visit, the museum's garden café is one of the city's best-kept secrets—a quiet spot to reflect on the incredible density of culture you’ve experienced along the banks of the Main.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Museum Embankment (Museumsufer) is the premier route, featuring over a dozen museums including the Städel and Liebieghaus along a scenic 1.5-mile riverside stretch.